Lurgan Searches In Craigavon Dissident Bomb Probe

Police have carried out a number of searches in Lurgan following an attempt to murder serving officers in Craigavon last month.

Dissident republicans left a booby-trap device in the Tullygally area of the town on the evening of Friday 26 July. The viable device was staged to resemble a fired mortar and designed to explode if touched.

It was later confirmed the incident had been staged in an attempt to kill police officers, who were lured into the area by fake reports.

Three proactive searches were carried out in Lurgan on Wednesday 07 August. A number of items were seized for further examination.

Investigators have also revealed that a suspicious person was seen running away from the bus stop where the device was left at around 11.45pm on 26 July, shortly before a loud bang was heard in the area.

They are described as being between 5'6" and 5'9" tall, of slim or medium build and believed to be aged in their late teens or early 20s. The individual wore a light grey or beige long sleeved hooded top with the hood up and their face covered.

The person is reported to have made their way from the bus stop into open ground that borders the Tullygally Road, Aldervale flats and Drumglass Estate in an area known locally as the Black Path.

Detectives have also issued an appeal in relation to the device. DS Richard Campbell said: "This device was manufactured somewhere, the metal tube that was designed to look like a mortar had to be made by someone. The concrete block, in which the explosive device was contained, was manufactured by someone. I would appeal to anyone who has any information about activity in an outbuilding or garage in recent days or weeks that may seem out of the ordinary to get in touch with detectives.

"This device had to be transported to the area where it was planted and I am appealing for anyone who saw any unusual activity or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area of Tullygally Road on Friday night or in recent days or weeks to get in touch."

Anyone with information on either the individual or the device is urged to contact detectives in the Terrorism Investigation Unit in Castlereagh on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Northern Ireland Weather

Today:

A dull cloudy day with occasional patchy rain through the morning and early afternoon, which erratically clears in the north late afternoon. Winds light, mainly from the northwest. Maximum temperature 16 °C.